Characterization and identification of compounds in neem (Azadirachta indica) seed oil

Abstract

The seed oil of Azadrichta indica was obtained by Soxhlet extraction method. The maximum oil yield using petroleum ether was found 18.4% at a temperature of 70oC and a minimum yield of 13.5% at 30oC while at the same operating condition ethyl acetate and methanol resulted a maximum yield of 17.0% and 16.5% and a minimum of 12.0% and 13.0% respectively. So petroleum ether is a good solvent to afford high yield in this work. The oil was analyzed by GC-MS and result in the identification of the compounds (palmitoleic acid methyl ester, palmitic acid methyl ester, linoleic acid methyl ester, oleic acid methyl ester, stearic acid methyl ester, etc.) was obtained. In the present study various physical and chemical characteristics have been also studied. The results also indicated that the oil extracted from neem seed is the most acidic and non edible.